Every now and then it is a good idea to do an inventory. To think about friendships that endure outside of our roles. To imagine relationships outside of the frameworks of work and power and responsibility. We all have so many “connections”, but what if we take away the titles and roles? If we can’t meet anyone’s expectations any longer? If we are “underwater” literally or figuratively? Different story.

Victor always reminds me that there are people in our lives that would take us in if we were homeless. It makes me smile to know that is his standard for real friends. He thinks there aren’t that many of them. But they are everything.